Is LiveDifferent a government agency?

LiveDifferent is not a government agency. However, LiveDifferent is a charitable organization registered with the Government of Canada. Our registration number is 86123 2890 RR0001.

Is LiveDifferent a religious organization?

Although our various programs are consistently engaged with by many faith-based school boards/businesses/groups/churches/etc. who recognize the incredible amount of good that we can have working together, LiveDifferent does not have any particular faith-based affiliation or agenda. Our programs are open and accessible to all who are passionate about having a real and lasting impact in the lives of others, whether through our touring school presentations, on a humanitarian Build project internationally, or while learning with our Academy program in Mexico.

How safe is a LiveDifferent Build?

LiveDifferent has a long history of safe, positive and life-changing humanitarian travel projects. Since 2005, we have taken over 5,000 students on Builds with no serious injuries or incidents. All of our staff are very passionate about what we do and we believe that we all have a responsibility to help those in need and to stand up for those who cannot stand up for themselves. LiveDifferent maintains excellent community relations and works diligently alongside community leaders, other NGOs working in the area, and often government officials in each country that we work in. Safety is always our number one priority. All of our key staff are first aid certified and we always have access available to quality medical attention (if needed) in all countries where we work.

How safe is the LiveDifferent Academy program?

All of our staff are very passionate about what we do and we believe that we all have a responsibility to help those in need and to stand up for those who cannot stand up for themselves. LiveDifferent maintains excellent community relations and works diligently alongside community leaders, other NGOs working in the area, and often government officials in each country that we work in. Safety is always our number one priority. All of our key staff are first aid certified and we always have access available to quality medical attention (if needed) in all countries that we work in.

How does LiveDifferent ensure the safety and well-being of their participants?

LiveDifferent has a long history of safe, positive and life-changing humanitarian travel projects – taking over 5,000 students since 2005 with no serious injuries or incidents. We recognize there are always safety measures and risks when travelling to any developing country and with this in mind, we pay close attention to what is going on in the Baja California area and along the routes we travel. We carefully plan our travel, destinations and daily programming to ensure not only a safe experience but a culturally rich one with the opportunity for incredible learning beyond the stereotypes and assumptions often perpetuated by political groups and the media. You can feel confident that if we had any concerns about our ability to host your group safely or if any travel concerns come to our attention before or during the Academy Program we would be sure to communicate immediately with any registered students and their parent(s)/guardians.

What would LiveDifferent's procedure be if a student needed medical attention while on the work site?

1. First Aid is provided onside by a trained LiveDifferent staff.
2. If further medical attention is required a bilingual LiveDifferent staff member would go with the student to the closest clinic along with a teacher/chaperone from the school.
3. LiveDifferent staff would have access to medical and insurance information and initiate communications between the insurance company and the clinic.
4. Communications with the student's parent/guardian would be coordinated between the LiveDifferent staff and teacher/chaperone.
5. Completion of an Incident Report to document the circumstances of the incident, the response and any required follow up.

Do I need a passport to volunteer/travel?

All volunteers must have a passport issued by their country of citizenship which is valid for at least 6 weeks after the conclusion of the LiveDifferent Build. Your passport number and expiry date must be forwarded to LiveDifferent before the start of the LiveDifferent Build.

Click HERE to view LiveDifferent's Travel and Insurance Policy.

Do I need emergency medical travel insurance?

Volunteers are required to have emergency medical travel insurance, which includes coverage for Covid-19, and submit their policy information to us before the LiveDifferent Build. Volunteers are advised to check the insurance policy to ensure coverage of emergency transport evacuation to their home country. Note: LiveDifferent does not provide emergency medical travel insurance for any of our Builds. Volunteers are advised to obtain the maximum amount of medical, personal and travel insurance possible.

Click HERE to view LiveDifferent's Travel and Insurance Policy.

What happens in case of emergency?

In an emergency situation or if a volunteer needs to return home early for any reason whatsoever, the volunteer and his/her parents/ legal guardians agree to pay all expenses associated with the return of the volunteer including, without limitation, reasonable LiveDifferent staff expenses, and on the ground logistical expenses. LiveDifferent retains the right to invoice the volunteer and/or his/her parents/legal guardians for any costs incurred as a result and such amount would not be eligible as a tax‑receiptable donation.

Click HERE to view LiveDifferent's Travel and Insurance Policy.